Would you consider buying an electric scooter?
Would you consider buying an electric scooter?
In the not-too-distant future, it's more than likely that you'll need to think about making the switch to electric vehicles.
Sales of new petrol and diesel cars are set to end in the UK by 2030 in what will be a huge boost in the battle against climate change.
However, if an electric car isn't for you, then you may want to consider getting yourself an electric scooter.
Here, we take a look at everything you need to know about e-scooters – from their legality to any safety issues.
It will come as no surprise that the main difference between an electric scooter and a traditional push scooter is the motor.
In order to keep them going, an e-scooter uses a small electric motor that needs to be charged on a regular basis.
Once the motor is up and running and the wheels are spinning, the throttle on the scooter will help the driver pick up speed.
And of course, to slow down, you'll need to push your foot down on the brake above the rear wheel, and then ultimately, use the handbrake for a complete stop.
Motor sizes and charging times will vary depending on the manufacturer and make of the scooter.
Thinking of making the switch to electric?
Electric scooters are legal to own in the UK. However, when it comes to where they can be used, there are a number of restrictions in place.
Currently, there isn't a specific law for electric scooters, so they are recognised as ‘powered transporters’.
That means the only place an electric scooter can be used in the UK is on private land – given, of course, that you have permission from the landowner.
So it’s illegal to use electric scooters on public roads and pavements, and if you get caught breaking this rule, you could face some sanctions, including a fine or penalty points on your driving licence if you have one.
The only e-scooters that can be used on public roads are those rented as part of UK government-backed trials.
The government is currently running trials of electric scooters to see how members of the public adapt to the new method of transport.
The trial period was recently extended until November 2022.
There's no one answer to this question, with it all depending on the brand, battery and charge of the electric scooter.
Another factor to take into consideration is the route you'll be taking. If you’re riding an electric scooter on flat ground, it will last longer than if you were riding up lots of hills.
However, typically, the average distance fully charged electric scooters can go ranges from five miles all the way up to 40.
Similar to the range of electric vehicles, speed very much depends on make and model.
Last year, the UK government announced the speed limit to ride rental electric scooters would be 15.5mph (25km/h), which is the average speed of most electric scoters available on the market.
Electric scooters have been labelled a ‘real and genuine threat’ by the UK's leading blindness charity.
With electric scooters being much quieter than cars, the Royal National Institute of Blind People believe e-scooters could affect the ability of blind and partially sighted people to move around independently and safely.
Of course, supporters argue that electric scooters will help battle the twin problems of pollution and congestion.
To rent a scooter from an official government-backed trial, you need to have category Q entitlement on your driving licence.
Any insurance will need to be provided by the electric scooter rental operator.
Again, this will ultimately come down to the make and model of the electric scooter.
However, expect the cheaper e-scooters on the market to begin at around £300, going up to £2,500 for the more top of the range ones.
